Gas-generator



J. BUTLER. vems GENERATOR.

Patented Sept. 15

STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN BUTLER, OF BROOKLYN, YORK.

GAS-GENERATOR.

Specification of Letters Patent No. 18,184, dated September 15, 1857.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN BUTLER, of Brooklyn, in the county of Kings, in the State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Method of Manufacturing Carbureted Hydrogen Gas; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

The nature of my invention consists in the use of fused metal or metals fusible at a comparatively low temperature in connection with a suitable vessel or retort so constructed as to bring carbon hydrous liquids or substances into immediate contact with the surface of such fused metal or metals, by presenting to the material to be formed into gas, a movable, red hot, metallic surface (a rapid conductor of heat) thereby creating a greater volume of gas, with no increase of applied heat preventing the deposit of lampblack, scales or any carbonaceous matter in the retort and effecting a more thorough and perfect distructive distillation than by any other known method.

To enable others skilled in the art to operate and use my invention I proceed to describe it as follows:

I construct my retort in any of the known forms, one of which forms is shown in the l accompanying drawings letter A, Figures No. 1 and 2. Said retort is fixed in a furnace B. In the bottom of the retort A is placed a suflicient quantity of lead F or any other metal or metals fusible at a low state of temperature the which when fused will barely cover the bottom of the retort A. I construct an open metal basket C which I suspend within the retort A above the metal or metals at any convenient distance, supporting the same by cast projections within the retort. Within this basket I place lump charcoal which charcoal I use as a second heater. The form of a basket or a simple open work casting may be adopted as desired, in either form they are intended to be suspended as above mentioned, fitting loosely around the retort.

The retort cover D has a flange that fits into a groove in the upper circumference of the retort, into this groove I place lead, the heat of the retort fusing the same, making a perfect joint. The cover D thus remains in its place by its own weight. Through the red hot fused metal F or metals is converted into gas which gas passing through the charcoal contained in basket C receives a second heat while thus detained by the charcoal. From thence the gas passes directly to the purifier.

Although this description relates principally to the use of carbon hydrous materials that pass readily through the tube E it does not preclude the use of solids from which is obtained carbureted hydrogen gas, said solids being placed within the retort.

The value of my invention over other methods is first the production of a larger quantity of gas with a given quantity of heat. Second the preservation of the retort which in other cases is soon rendered useless by the accumulation of scales that cling to the interior of the retort. Third, entire freedom from lamp black and all carbonaceous matter that would interfere in obtaining a perfect destructive distillation.

I am aware that a patent has been granted for the use of fused metals by passing the products of the destructive distillation of coal and other substances yielding carbureted hydrogen (gas) through said metals. I therefore disclaim the use of fused metals fusible at a low state of temperature for the purpose of passing the products of the destructive distillation of coal and other substances through said metals. Nor do I claim said methods for bringing distilled carbon hydrous vapors in immediate contact with the surface of the same. Nor do I claim fused metal for the purpose of floating the carbonaceous matter usually deposited in retorts.

What I claim as my invent-ion and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is- Generating illuminating gas in a retort over the surface of melted lead or other fusible metal, in the manner set forth in the specification.

J NO. BUTLER.

Witnesses:

JOSEPH G. GILBERT, JOHN L. Fm. 

